A launch event and premiere was recently held for a book and some films co-created by local students that celebrate the heritage of Erdington and Kingstanding.

Birmingham Metropolitan College students Jayliegh Evans and Blue Jay Evans with lecturer Pam Robinson and Mandy Ross from Secret City Arts

A launch event and premiere was recently held for a book and some films co-created by local students that celebrate the heritage of Erdington and Kingstanding.

The book, Dewey Decimal Guide to Kingstanding and Erdington features artwork, photographs and written contributions from foundation learning students at Birmingham Metropolitan College.

The book, which was named after the catalogue system used by libraries, was developed by community arts organisation, Secret City Arts in conjunction with other local community groups and charities.

The book will now be kept at the Library of Birmingham as part of an archive display.

Lecturer Pam Robinson said: “This project has really benefited our students’ progress on their skills for working life course.

“It’s been particularly enjoyable for them because of the many skills and ideas they’ve been able to contribute. It’s also been great for them to work with other people and organisations, who have shared their memories of growing up in these areas.

“The students have all received a personal copy of the book as a memento of the excellent work they have done.”

Accompanying the book are a series of short films and audio recordings featuring interviews with local residents accompanied by student-led narrations, animation and imagery.

“I loved every bit of this project,” said student Jayliegh Evans, aged 19. “It was very different to the other things we’ve worked on in college. Things change really quickly over time, so it’s nice that we can share our history like this and have a record of it.”

Kingstanding student Chris Broadfield also said he was proud of the project: “My knowledge of the area’s definitely improved because we met so many people, visited different places and saw lots of photographs.”

The 18-year-old added: “I was really pleased to see my artwork in the book and films. It’s something I can show family and friends.”